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First Church of the Nazarene
Life Hacks for Tough Times and Rough Relationships: A Study on the Book of James Week 7
"🚨 Life feels tough? Relationships feel rough? 🚨 We’ve all been there! But what if there were practical wisdom to help us navigate life’s challenges with clarity and grace? 🙌 Join us for our series: Life Hacks for Tough Times and Rough Relationships: A Study on the Book of James. 💡 Discover timeless truths, practical steps, and spiritual tools that can make life not just bearable—but better. 🛠️ On this, our final week, let’s dive into the wisdom of James together!
Locations & Times
First Church of the Nazarene, Gallipolis
1110 1st Ave, Gallipolis, OH 45631, USA
Sunday 10:30 AM
Connection Card
I'm New / Looking for More Information You might be wondering, what's it really like at First Church? Simply stated, we're all about Jesus and what He has done in our life. You won't experience shame, guilt, or condemnation. We don't care how you dress or what candidate you voted for in the last election. Our church is made up of imperfect people with every kind of story imaginable. Do you want to know the best part? No matter what you've been through or what questions you might have about God and faith, our church is a place where you'll find the love, grace, and forgiveness Jesus gives to everyone. If you're new to First Church or seeking more information about an event, small group, or ministry, follow the link to fill out a short form and we'll reach out to you this week. NOTE: We value your privacy and would never spam you.
https://tinyurl.com/3hzybjzfGiving to First Church has never been easier
We thank you for being part of First Church of the Nazarene. Your gift makes ministry possible through our congregation. Our aim as a church is currently to give away no less than 15% of our income to others, to save 5% of our income preparing for the future, and living from 80% of our income to provide local ministry. Join us as we work together for future ministry through First Church of the Nazarene to Gallipolis, surrounding areas that include in Ohio and West Virginia, and throughout the world.
https://tithe.ly/give_new/www/#/tithely/give-one-time/6717651
Why Smart People Make Foolish Choices—The Truth About Wisdom [James 3:13-18]
Talk It Over questions for personal reflection, family or small group.
1. Have you ever made a plan that completely fell apart? What happened, and how did you respond? If you could know one thing about your future, what would it be? Why?
2. Read James 4:13-17 aloud. What stands out to you in this passage? James compares life to a mist (v. 14). What do you think he means by that, and how does that challenge the way we think about time?
3. Read Proverbs 16:9 (“In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.”) and Luke 12:16-21 (The Parable of the Rich Fool). How do these passages connect to James’ warning about arrogance in planning?
4. James 4:17 says that knowing the right thing to do and not doing it is sin. How does this apply to our daily lives and decision-making??
5. Think about your current plans—career, family, personal goals. Have you invited God into them, or are you assuming you’re in control?
6. How can we practically balance wise planning with surrendering control to God?
7. What’s one step you can take this week to live with more trust in God’s will for your future?.
2. Read James 4:13-17 aloud. What stands out to you in this passage? James compares life to a mist (v. 14). What do you think he means by that, and how does that challenge the way we think about time?
3. Read Proverbs 16:9 (“In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.”) and Luke 12:16-21 (The Parable of the Rich Fool). How do these passages connect to James’ warning about arrogance in planning?
4. James 4:17 says that knowing the right thing to do and not doing it is sin. How does this apply to our daily lives and decision-making??
5. Think about your current plans—career, family, personal goals. Have you invited God into them, or are you assuming you’re in control?
6. How can we practically balance wise planning with surrendering control to God?
7. What’s one step you can take this week to live with more trust in God’s will for your future?.
Daily Reading Guide & Reflections
1) Be still for a minute in God’s presence.
2) Record what God draws to your attention.
3) Each day, write your reflection in a journal: What is God drawing your attention to in the readings? Write down a word or phrase that stands out.
4) On Saturday, how have you seen God at work over this week? Write down your reflections in a journal.
Monday: The Illusion of Control. Read: James 4:13-14. We make plans as if we are in control, but James reminds us that life is fleeting. What’s one area of your life where you struggle to surrender control? Pray today for the courage to trust God with it.
Tuesday: If the Lord Wills. Read: James 4:15-17. The antidote to prideful planning is a heart that says, “If the Lord wills.”. How would your decisions change if you truly lived with the mindset that your future belongs to God? Write down one plan and commit it to God in prayer today.
Wednesday: Preparing for our new series "Jesus, the Stranger" we begin a New Daily Reading Schedule – see bookmark provided as our scripture guide through Easter, April 20th.
□ 3/5 READ Day 1 – John 1:9-13
□ 3/6 READ Day 2 – Luke 2:25-35
â–ˇ 3/6 Lenten Luncheon Grace Methodist
□ 3/7 READ Day 3 – Matthew 2:1-16
□ 3/8 READ Day 4 – John 1:29-34
1) Be still for a minute in God’s presence.
2) Record what God draws to your attention.
3) Each day, write your reflection in a journal: What is God drawing your attention to in the readings? Write down a word or phrase that stands out.
4) On Saturday, how have you seen God at work over this week? Write down your reflections in a journal.
Monday: The Illusion of Control. Read: James 4:13-14. We make plans as if we are in control, but James reminds us that life is fleeting. What’s one area of your life where you struggle to surrender control? Pray today for the courage to trust God with it.
Tuesday: If the Lord Wills. Read: James 4:15-17. The antidote to prideful planning is a heart that says, “If the Lord wills.”. How would your decisions change if you truly lived with the mindset that your future belongs to God? Write down one plan and commit it to God in prayer today.
Wednesday: Preparing for our new series "Jesus, the Stranger" we begin a New Daily Reading Schedule – see bookmark provided as our scripture guide through Easter, April 20th.
□ 3/5 READ Day 1 – John 1:9-13
□ 3/6 READ Day 2 – Luke 2:25-35
â–ˇ 3/6 Lenten Luncheon Grace Methodist
□ 3/7 READ Day 3 – Matthew 2:1-16
□ 3/8 READ Day 4 – John 1:29-34
This Week's Info
We Welcome You to Our Worship Service Today!
Out of all the places you could choose to worship, we are honored that you chose to worship with us. Please fill out a guest card so we can follow up to thank you for your visit.
Children are part of our regular morning worship service, and no nursery staff are scheduled. Please pick up a children/youth worship bulletin in the lobby and return crayons or colored pencils following the worship service.
This Week March 2 – 8
Sun. 9:30 AM Small Groups
- Infants (Nursery)
- Ages 4 – 3rd Grade (Downstairs)
- Adults: Heavenbound (FLC)
- Adults: Faithful Followers (Chapel)
10:15 AM Prayer around the Altar
10:30 AM Worship
6:00 – 7:30 PM Youth Open Gym (Grd. 6-12)
Wed. 6:30 PM Choir Practice
6:30 PM Prayer & Praise (FLC)
Thurs. 10 AM – 12 PM Food Pantry
12:00 PM Lenten Service & Lunch (GM)
Fri. 3:30 PM Youth Winter Jam
Coming Up
March 12 Food Pantry Delivery
March 17 Zone Missions Rally at Rutland
March 21-22 SCO Youth District BLAST
March 29 Youth Yard Sale
April 12 SCO Missions & Youth Convention at Circleville
April 27-28 SCO District Assembly at Grove City
July 6-13 SCO Camp Meeting at Hocking Hills
Alabaster Offering: February’s Alabaster offering totaled $630! Thank you for your generosity! We will collect our next Alabaster offering on September 21, 2025.
Church Board: You elected the following individuals to serve on the leadership team for First Church: Roger Boster, Mark Blair, Carol Housden, Kathy Jordan, & Marsha Rodgers along with Sandi Plantz serving as NYI President. Thank you for your prayers and participation in this year’s election.
Lenten Services: We will join with area churches at Grace Methodist Church in Gallipolis on Thursdays from March 6 – April 10 for a service at noon and a luncheon to follow. Pastor David will be speaking this Thursday, March 6, and our church will be providing a meal for about 150 people. If you can help prepare or serve food, please see lobby sign up, and plan to arrive at 10:30AM.
Winter Jam: Youth in grades 6-12 are invited to Winter Jam in Charleston, WV this Friday, March 7. Meet at the church at 3:30 PM, and plan for pick-up around 12:00 AM. Bring money for dinner and $15 for tickets at the door. Transportation will be provided for those who RSVP to Sandi Plantz by today, Sunday, March 2.
Food Pantry Delivery: We could really use some help unloading and putting away food for our Food Pantry next Wednesday, March 12, from 9-10 AM. If you're available, your assistance would be greatly appreciated!
Zone Missions Rally: Churches from the Gallia-Meigs region will meet at Rutland Church of the Nazarene on Monday, March 17 at 7:00 PM to hear missionary Cezi Glendenning share about God’s work in Central Europe. Please bring a dessert to share for fellowship after the presentation.
BLAST: Youth Building Leadersand Sharing Talents encourages students in grades 6-12 to use their talents and leadership skills for Jesus Christ. Students can compete in areas of mathematics, chess, running, table tennis, volleyball, basketball, photography, videography, painting, drawing, crafts, prose, poetry, human video, puppets, drama, preaching, vocal solos, duets, ensembles, and instrumental solos or ensembles. Competitions will be held Friday and Saturday, March 21 and 22 at Heritage Church of the Nazarene in Circleville, OH. Students who would like to participate or attend BLAST should contact Sandi Plantz by Sunday, March 9.
Yard Sale: Please start saving items for the youth yard sale on Saturday, March 29. Donations can be brought to the FLC starting March 16. We cannot accept early donations due to other organizations renting our facility. Thank you for your cooperation.
Out of all the places you could choose to worship, we are honored that you chose to worship with us. Please fill out a guest card so we can follow up to thank you for your visit.
Children are part of our regular morning worship service, and no nursery staff are scheduled. Please pick up a children/youth worship bulletin in the lobby and return crayons or colored pencils following the worship service.
This Week March 2 – 8
Sun. 9:30 AM Small Groups
- Infants (Nursery)
- Ages 4 – 3rd Grade (Downstairs)
- Adults: Heavenbound (FLC)
- Adults: Faithful Followers (Chapel)
10:15 AM Prayer around the Altar
10:30 AM Worship
6:00 – 7:30 PM Youth Open Gym (Grd. 6-12)
Wed. 6:30 PM Choir Practice
6:30 PM Prayer & Praise (FLC)
Thurs. 10 AM – 12 PM Food Pantry
12:00 PM Lenten Service & Lunch (GM)
Fri. 3:30 PM Youth Winter Jam
Coming Up
March 12 Food Pantry Delivery
March 17 Zone Missions Rally at Rutland
March 21-22 SCO Youth District BLAST
March 29 Youth Yard Sale
April 12 SCO Missions & Youth Convention at Circleville
April 27-28 SCO District Assembly at Grove City
July 6-13 SCO Camp Meeting at Hocking Hills
Alabaster Offering: February’s Alabaster offering totaled $630! Thank you for your generosity! We will collect our next Alabaster offering on September 21, 2025.
Church Board: You elected the following individuals to serve on the leadership team for First Church: Roger Boster, Mark Blair, Carol Housden, Kathy Jordan, & Marsha Rodgers along with Sandi Plantz serving as NYI President. Thank you for your prayers and participation in this year’s election.
Lenten Services: We will join with area churches at Grace Methodist Church in Gallipolis on Thursdays from March 6 – April 10 for a service at noon and a luncheon to follow. Pastor David will be speaking this Thursday, March 6, and our church will be providing a meal for about 150 people. If you can help prepare or serve food, please see lobby sign up, and plan to arrive at 10:30AM.
Winter Jam: Youth in grades 6-12 are invited to Winter Jam in Charleston, WV this Friday, March 7. Meet at the church at 3:30 PM, and plan for pick-up around 12:00 AM. Bring money for dinner and $15 for tickets at the door. Transportation will be provided for those who RSVP to Sandi Plantz by today, Sunday, March 2.
Food Pantry Delivery: We could really use some help unloading and putting away food for our Food Pantry next Wednesday, March 12, from 9-10 AM. If you're available, your assistance would be greatly appreciated!
Zone Missions Rally: Churches from the Gallia-Meigs region will meet at Rutland Church of the Nazarene on Monday, March 17 at 7:00 PM to hear missionary Cezi Glendenning share about God’s work in Central Europe. Please bring a dessert to share for fellowship after the presentation.
BLAST: Youth Building Leadersand Sharing Talents encourages students in grades 6-12 to use their talents and leadership skills for Jesus Christ. Students can compete in areas of mathematics, chess, running, table tennis, volleyball, basketball, photography, videography, painting, drawing, crafts, prose, poetry, human video, puppets, drama, preaching, vocal solos, duets, ensembles, and instrumental solos or ensembles. Competitions will be held Friday and Saturday, March 21 and 22 at Heritage Church of the Nazarene in Circleville, OH. Students who would like to participate or attend BLAST should contact Sandi Plantz by Sunday, March 9.
Yard Sale: Please start saving items for the youth yard sale on Saturday, March 29. Donations can be brought to the FLC starting March 16. We cannot accept early donations due to other organizations renting our facility. Thank you for your cooperation.
The Discipleship Place
The Discipleship Place includes the website, courses, and interactive version of the How to Study the Bible course provided by the Church of the Nazarene Discipleship International. Interactive Course: How to Study the Bible. People will find this new format engaging, fun, and interactive, redesigned with game elements and a visually appealing look. Get started now by clicking here. Discipleship and Mental Disorders. Key questions about mental disorders and the church community will be addressed, along with several “skills videos” to help those who may struggle with a mental disorder. Small Group Discipleship. These teaching videos feature Rev. Michael Downs providing a video series where key discipleship principles are discussed, followed by a demonstration of how these principles can be practiced in a small group setting.
https://discipleshipplace.org/
James 5 - Lessons for Rich Oppressors, Patience in Suffering, and Keeping the Letter of James Alive
Beginning next Sunday with daily readings starting March 5
I'm Passionate About Evangelism
Our Purpose: Our prayer is that every Nazarene would lead one person to faith every year. Jesus commissioned us to “go and make disciples, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit.” (Matthew 28:18-20) Jesus offers to give each of us the opportunity to join Him in the amazing journey of disciple making! And He gave an incredible promise to those who are willing to go! He said, “And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” We do not go alone. The One who has all authority in heaven and on earth promised to go with us wherever we go! Join us on the greatest adventure of a lifetime: the journey of disciple-making! Helpful definitions:Evangelism - Engaging in the lives of pre-Christians with the purpose, goal, and intent of leading them to faith in Christ as the first step in their journey of following Christ. Disciple – Christ follower Disciple-Making - The process of leading pre-Christians to faith, Christlikeness, and multiplying disciple-makers. Prevenient Grace - The grace that goes beforehand preparing the way for disciple makers to engage pre-Christians in evangelistic outreach and conversations. Micro-mission - My personal mission and goals to lead pre-Christians to make the decision to become a disciple of Jesus. Macro-mission - My personal mission and goals for involvement in church planting.
https://usacanadaregion.org/evangelism-revivalismHow to Be a Disciplemaker
Do you want help in making disciples of Jesus? Jesus’ intends that all His followers be discipled by His Word, Spirit, and Body. The following dialogue between Hal and Debbi Perkins is intended to guide you in the “what” of making disciples using the Discipled by Jesus (DBJ) model. But there is more. The videos listed below seek to clearly identify the “why” – not merely the what – behind each component of the DBJ model for making disciples of Jesus. Please note that the disciplemaker who only knows and does the “what” without comprehending the “why” will normally miss the key essentials of Jesus’ discipling us using the Discipled by Jesus process. We pray you will be helped to be a far more effective disciplemaker through the series of dialogues between Hal and Debbi below.
https://discipledbyjesus.org/how-to-be-a-disciplemaker/RightNow Media
We believe the mission of the church matters. And we’ve seen how God can change lives through video resources. That’s why we developed RightNow Media. Now, every person in your church can access over 25,000 biblically-based videos for small groups, families, students, leadership development, and much more. We hope to help you equip and disciple the people of your church.
Every person in your church can access biblically-based videos on topics like marriage, parenting, youth, recovery, leadership, finances and much more. Follow the link to begin digging deeper to develop Christlikeness using the Rightnow Media resources.
https://app.rightnowmedia.org/join/gallipolisnaz